XXVIL] ASH, BEECH. 213 



tion, therefore, from the bright whitish colour may be 

 taken as indicating a deterioration which will affect its 

 strength and durability. 



The United States Ash is much slower in growth 

 than the English, and is probably not so durable. 



THE BEECH TREE (Fagus sylvatica) 



is found in abundance in the central and southern 

 districts of this country. It is also extensively spread 

 over the middle and south of Europe, and varieties 

 of this species are to be met with in America and 

 Australia. It is of erect and straight growth, attains 

 the height of 60 to 70 feet, with a circumference of from 

 10 to 12 feet, and being of very hardy habits, is often 

 planted in the most exposed positions, to lend beauty 

 and picturesqueness to the surrounding scenery. 



The wood is light brown in colour, hard, moderately 

 heavy, close and even in texture, with a fine silky 

 grain. It cleaves easily, works up well, and is remarkable 

 for its minute pores, and for the distinctness with which 

 the medullary rays can be traced. 



Beech is employed for chair-making, and it is estimated 

 that at least 12,000 to 15,000 loads are annually required 

 from the English forests for this purpose. Engineers use 

 it for piles and works under water, and it is in great 

 request by turners, tool-makers, and others, who use it 

 extensively in the domestic arts. It makes excellent 

 wedges. 



Formerly it was employed in ship-building, and found 

 to answer admirably for the keel and garboard planking ; 

 it was also used for the ladders between decks, shot 

 cants, and for many minor services. Upon the Continent, 

 owing to the important property the Beech has of not 

 absorbing water readily, it is much used for making 



